diff --git a/include/wincurs.h b/include/wincurs.h
index 420af1292..c544e4244 100644
--- a/include/wincurs.h
+++ b/include/wincurs.h
@@ -46,6 +46,9 @@ extern WINDOW *activemenu;         /* curses window for menu requesting a
 #if !defined(A_RIGHTLINE) && defined(A_RIGHT)
 #define A_RIGHTLINE A_RIGHT
 #endif
+#ifndef A_ITALIC
+#define A_ITALIC A_UNDERLINE
+#endif
 
 typedef enum orient_type
 {
diff --git a/win/curses/cursmisc.c b/win/curses/cursmisc.c
index 9d722be35..2e3f3bd42 100644
--- a/win/curses/cursmisc.c
+++ b/win/curses/cursmisc.c
@@ -12,10 +12,6 @@
 
 #include <ctype.h>
 
-#ifndef A_ITALIC
-#define A_ITALIC A_UNDERLINE
-#endif
-
 /* Misc. curses interface functions */
 
 /* Private declarations */